WHEREAS, Juan Alamia, a resident of the Rio Grande Valley,
joined the First United States Volunteer Cavalry at its mustering
camp in San Antonio in May 1898 for service in the Spanish-American
War; and
WHEREAS, The conflict between Spain and the United States
centered on the question of Cuba, where for several years
insurgents had been fighting a guerrilla war against their colonial
rulers; on April 20, 1898, the U.S. Congress recognized Cuban
independence and simultaneously authorized the use of American
military force to ensure it; four days later, Spain declared war on
the United States; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Alamia's regiment trained at Camp Wood in San
Antonio for a month before embarking for Cuba; the unit's first
commander, Leonard Wood, was soon replaced by his
second-in-command, Theodore Roosevelt; known affectionately as the
Rough Riders, these troops won fame for their successful assaults
on Kettle and San Juan hills, near the city of Santiago, on July 1,
1898; and
WHEREAS, Spain's defeat in Cuba was sealed a few days later,
when the Spanish fleet was destroyed as it tried to escape from
Santiago harbor; American forces also succeeded in taking Puerto
Rico and the Philippines, bringing the war to a conclusion by
mid-August 1898; and
WHEREAS, Juan Alamia returned to his home in South Texas,
where, in May 1913, he became a casualty of the Mexican Revolution;
Mr. Alamia was killed when General Lucio Blanco, a supporter of the
rebel leader Venustiano Carranza, attacked the border town of Rio
Bravo; and
WHEREAS, Today, just over a century after the formation of
the Rough Riders, Mr. Alamia is remembered for his heroism,
patriotism, and devotion to the cause of freedom; and
WHEREAS, State Representative Aaron Peña, Jr., has
rightfully presented this resolution to the Texas House of
Representatives for its consideration on behalf of his ancestor
Juan Alamia; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby recognize Juan Alamia for
his remarkable achievements and service to this state and country;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the family of Juan Alamia as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
Pena
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 41 was adopted by the House on August
5, 2003, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House